FAQ

10 Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ icon

Frequently Asked Questions

Our mission is to empower our client with the clarity and confidence they need to have the best chance of success from their radiation therapy. Check out some common questions we get at Under the Beam, and then dive in further to learn more about what we do here through our Phys-Assist program!

Radiation therapy uses carefully targeted beams of energy to damage the DNA of cancer cells, which prevents them from growing or dividing. The healthy cells around your tumor can repair themselves better than cancer cells, which makes the treatment effective. -Cancer.org

Radiation therapy is designed to be as safe as possible. The machines deliver radiation only while they are on. Once your session ends, you’re not radioactive, and it’s completely safe to be around friends, family, or children.

Side effects depend on the area being treated. The most common ones are fatigue and skin changes, which usually improve after treatment ends. Your care team will prepare you for what to expect in your specific case.

Before treatment starts, imaging scans and computer planning are used to map out your body in detail. Medical physicists, like me, work with doctors to design a plan that shapes and directs the beams with precision, protecting healthy tissue as much as possible.

Your first visit usually involves a planning session called a “simulation.” You’ll lie still on a treatment table while images are taken, and sometimes a small mark or mask is made to help position you consistently. The treatment itself feels like getting an X-ray: painless and usually lasting 10–20 minutes.

I’m a board-certified Medical Physicist with over a decade of clinical experience in radiation therapy. There, my role is to ensure treatments are delivered safely and accurately. Here, Phys-Assist is built on that expertise and designed to make the science behind treatment clear and approachable. That will help you have success on your own journey!

Your doctors and nurses guide your medical care, while I focus on education. Think of Phys-Assist as a coach in your corner; I explain the “how” and “why” of radiation in plain language, easing worries and giving you confidence to navigate your treatment.

Yes, and I encourage you to do so! While I don’t replace your medical team, I can help you better understand what’s happening and why. If you bring details or questions, I’ll explain them in context so you can have more informed conversations with your care providers.

No referral is needed. You can sign up directly, whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or even a healthcare professional who wants to learn more about radiation therapy.

Your privacy matters. I don’t share or sell your information, and all communication is handled securely. While email and text aren’t fully private systems, I use them carefully for reminders and educational resources, and you can opt out anytime.

Let a clinical expert in the field talk you through your radiation therapy journey! UTB offers several packages to tailor specifically to your needs. Get started below:

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